Deb Olive

People applying for asylum in Australia have lost the freedom to own a pet.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has issued a notice to people seeking asylum living in Australia with a policy restriction on pet ownership.

The Department can decide if people can own a dog, cat or even a gold fish.

ASRC Director of Campaigns, Jana Favero said, "This is another terrifying display of arbitrary powers to decide the rights of people seeking asylum, this time their freedom to own a pet and the ability to take of care of their pet's health'.

Veterinarian at Best Mates charity vet clinic Jason Rapke said, "For people struggling in life, especially those with few family and friends, their pets can be a huge source of support and motivation.”

Sign now and add your voice to the growing community in Australia calling for fairness, dignity and respect for people seeking asylum.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Every person in Australia enjoys the right to enormous benefits of an animal's companionship.

The Victorian Government has granted every tenant the right to have a pet in their rented home.

Yet your Department of Immigration and Border Protection has a new policy removing the freedom to own a pet for people applying for asylum who live in Australia.

People seeking asylum already experience high rates of mental ill health, isolation, depression and anxiety, much of it due to Australia's cruel and arduous process to apply for protection.

Please reinstate this basic right to the companionship of a pet while people wait for their applications to be processed.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) recognises the importance of protecting the privacy and the rights of individuals in relation to their personal or sensitive information. Our privacy policy and full collection statement is available online at asrc.org.au/privacy